A Self-Advocate’s Guide To Medication Safety
Last Revised: May 2025
IHPP guides are for educational purposes only. The illustrations and information about anatomy are for learning about the human body, health conditions, and preparing for appointments. These guides should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems. These guides are not a replacement for seeing a licensed medical professional. Please talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your health.
Transcript:
A Self Advocate’s Guide to Medication Safety
Created by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
This guide helps you understand how to safely take and manage your medications.
Why Do People Take Medicine?
To stay healthy
To treat pain or symptoms
To manage illness like cancer or HIV
To cure infections like strep throat or UTIs
Medicine comes in many forms:
Pills, liquids, drops
Creams, patches, inhalers
Shots
How to Use Medication Safely
Follow directions on the label
Take medicine at the same time every day
Keep medicine away from children and pets
Finish the full prescription, even if you feel better
Never share your medicine
Do not throw medicine in the garbage, sink, or toilet
What Happens If You Take Too Much?
Medicine Overload:
Taking 5+ meds long-term can cause health problems
Some meds don’t mix well (e.g., blood thinners and aspirin)
Too many meds can make you sleepy or confused
Overdose:
Happens when you take too much—by accident or on purpose
Signs: vomiting, trouble breathing, seizures, confusion
Call 911 if someone is not breathing or unconscious
Call Poison Control: (800) 222-1222 (open 24/7)
How to Read a Medication Label
Your label shows:
Your name
Medication name and dose (e.g., 2 pills, 5 ml)
How long to take it
When and how often to take it
If you need to take it with food or water
Number of refills
Questions to Ask Your Provider
How long will I take this?
Do I need to take it with food?
Can I take it with other medications?
What are the side effects?
What if I feel bad after taking it?
How will I know it’s working?
Always tell your provider:
All the meds, supplements, and vitamins you take
If you can’t swallow pills
If you forget to take your medicine
Organizing Your Medications
Tips:
Keep them in one place
Use pill boxes or medication tracking apps
Use mail delivery or refill reminders
Check your patient portal for info
How to Pay for Medications
Private insurance or pay out-of-pocket
ABLE savings account
Vermont Medicaid or VPharm: (800) 250-8427
UVM Health Assistance Program: (888) 739-5183
Ask about generics (e.g., Ibuprofen instead of Advil)
Some drug companies offer discounts or free meds
You have the right to say “yes” or “no” to medication.
What is The Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project (IHPP)?
IHPP makes health information easy to understand and helps providers communicate with people with disabilities.
Goals:
Create plain language guides
Train healthcare providers to support neurodiverse patients
Last revised: April 2025
Learn more: http://www.ihppvt.org
Supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Award: $95,319.